tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-36603095180728276692018-08-30T11:54:18.223-07:00Nation's Wisdom חכמת העםWhere the ages old wisdom of the Jewish People is given to the people, by the people.Yosef Segalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02214385935778151798noreply@blogger.comBlogger9125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3660309518072827669.post-67592954194742533682017-06-24T15:16:00.001-07:002017-06-24T15:16:19.041-07:00Get Off the Sidelines! A Charge to My Fellow Chareidim<div class="MsoNormal">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;<i>While I love to share words of Torah and encouragement with the greater public, I have often shied away from commenting with my personal opinions on social and political issues in public forums as it is so easy to misunderstand or misrepresent the true purpose behind a person’s statement. Furthermore, while there is a great amount of purposeful, useful, and intelligent discussion to be found in these forums, there is at least ten times that amount in hurtful, insulting, and frankly, unintelligent comments, that I generally hesitate to offer a contribution. However, due to a personal experience in the past week, I feel responsible to make my voice heard and insure that the community I associate myself with is well-represented, and that those I feel are in the wrong are acknowledged as such.</i><o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; This past Wednesday night, June 21, at around 9:30PM, three religious Jews, soldiers in the IDF, <a href="http://www.theyeshivaworld.com/news/featured/1301679/shocking-footage-3-frum-soldiers-davening-bais-yisroel-shteeblach-rescued-police-mob-attacks-video-photos.html">were verbally abused by a mob while davening <i>Maariv</i> at the “<i>Shteiblach</i>” in the <i>Beis Yisrael </i>neighborhood in <i>Yerushalayim</i></a>. The police were called in to escort the soldiers out of the neighborhood safely. This is just the latest incident of violence against religious soldiers here in <i>Eretz Yisrael</i>, but this one has prompted me to share my feelings, primarily because I was there.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; At the time, I didn’t know what was happening. <i>“Shteebs”</i> is a <i>minyan</i> “factory”, with five different rooms allowing <i>minyanim</i> to be going on an almost 24-hour basis. While this incident was happening in Room “<i>Bet</i>”, I was <i>davening</i>further back in Room “<i>Hay</i>”. In the middle of our <i>Minyan</i>, a huge tumult began outside with well over a hundred people gathering in the outer courtyard of the shul. Huge swarms of people were pushing back and forth, there was screaming and yelling, to the point that nothing else could be heard inside our room, let alone being able to <i>daven</i>. When <i>davening </i>finished and I walked outside, all I could see was a mass of people around the entrance of <i>“Bet”</i>. The first thought that crossed my mind was, “terrorist attack”, and when I heard the arrival of the police, I decided it was best to leave first and ask questions later. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; I found out on the news around an hour later what had actually taken place. Three <i>frum </i>Jews, Orthodox Jews, had been <i>davening</i>, only to be met with abuse, including the vilest of insults, “Nazi”, as if they had perpetrated the deaths of millions, simply because they were soldiers in the IDF. (I had heard those calls while I was there and had assumed they were being directed at an Arab terrorist.) My first thought was pure embarrassment; not sadness, though that followed quickly after, but embarrassment. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; I identify as a <i>Chareidi</i> Orthodox Jew, whether I’m required to put an “ultra” before the “Orthodox” depends on how much variance you give to the <i>Chareidi </i>label. While I belong to the <i>halachic </i>camp that serving in the IDF is not a <i>mitzvah </i>and also believe it is spiritually detrimental, I do not believe it is an <i>aveirah</i>; after all, there are many reasons why one might join the army. (Not that it matters, but I have many family members and close friends who have served in the IDF. I do my best to support the soldiers of my country both socially and spiritually.) It is certainly possible for a religious person to make a <i>Kiddush Hashem</i> while serving in the IDF.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; But why did this particular incident hit me so hard? This certainly wasn’t the first instance of something like this happening, no one even got hurt! The obvious explanation is because I actually was present in this instance, and that certainly plays a part, but it’s not everything. It is more about the question I keep asking myself: What would I have done if I knew what was happening while I was at <i>shul</i>? Would I have jumped into the fray and defended the soldiers? Would I have yelled back at the protesters as they shouted? Would I have done nothing? <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Before I asked myself that, I needed to ask myself what <b>should</b> I have done? Obviously, it would be suicide to take on a mob, even one that was not engaging in physical violence. However, I feel that doesn’t release me of the responsibility to do something, just in a different format.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</div><div class="MsoNormal">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;The people who are abusing and assaulting IDF soldiers may be called <i>Chareidim</i>, but they don’t represent our community. They are a minority; to the best of my knowledge, no known figure in the <i>Chareidi</i> world has proposed or even simply supported the abuse of soldiers. They are extremists; furthermore, they didn’t become extremists because of these incidents, they were extremists even beforehand, but it wasn’t necessary to speak out the distinction. Everyone I’ve spoken to about this incident has felt the same way as me, actually even stronger than I do. But even so, and without regard for any other social or religious circles, we as <i>Chareidim</i>have the responsibility to speak up and say loudly what we clearly believe. It’s important for us to make a clear distinction between what we consider right and wrong.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; We do not support the abuse of Jews. Whatever disagreements exist over the complicated issue of serving in the IDF, they are not with the soldiers themselves. Any person who acts in a manner similar to what I witnessed Wednesday night is wrong and is not affiliated with our Torah <i>Hashkafah</i>. Anyone who viewed that spectacle should feel anger and embarrassment. To be fair, even though there were around 100 people at <i>Shteebs</i> during the incident, I have no idea how many were actively involved in the abuse. However, none of them were working against the abusers either. That someone even similar to us <i>hashkafically</i>could act in such a way should anger us all. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <o:p></o:p></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</div><div class="MsoNormal">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;So what should we do to combat this? Attacking a mob is never a good idea, but vocalizing to the greater community our disagreements with these actions instead of keeping it to private conversations is something we can all do. We can let the minority know that they are the minority. And when we aren’t up against a mob and see such abuse taking place, we should make it very clear to those perpetuating such acts that they are wrong. By knowing there is someone there against them, perhaps they’ll then think twice before engaging again. Any <i>Chilul Hashem</i>those three soldiers might make by serving in the IDF shouldn’t compare to the one we make by standing on the sidelines.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><i style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="font-size: small;">Nation's Wisdom is a project which encourages the masses to share their thoughts and wisdom on a variety of Torah ideas such as Parshah, Halachah, and Hashkafah among others. For more information or to have your idea published, please click&nbsp;<a href="http://nationswisdom.blogspot.co.il/2012/04/welcome-to-nations-wisdom.html" style="color: #818181; text-decoration-line: none;">here</a>&nbsp;or email us at AIMeMTorah@gmail.com.&nbsp;</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><i style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; font-family: Arial, Tahoma, Helvetica, FreeSans, sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px;"><span style="background-color: #fff9ee; color: #222222; font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;">Don't forget to check out</span><a href="http://hashkafahandbook.com/" style="background-color: #fff9ee; color: #888888; font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">&nbsp;hashkafahandbook.com</a><span style="background-color: #fff9ee; color: #222222; font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;">&nbsp;to learn about my book,</span><i style="background-color: #fff9ee; color: #222222; font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;">Reality Check</i><span style="background-color: #fff9ee; color: #222222; font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;">. And Like it on&nbsp;</span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashkafahandbook/" style="background-color: #fff9ee; color: #888888; font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px; text-decoration-line: none;" target="_blank">Facebook</a><span style="background-color: #fff9ee; color: #222222; font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;">.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #fff9ee; font-size: 15.4px;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Trebuchet MS, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: #fff9ee; font-size: 15.4px;">Visit the <a href="http://oldideasforthemodernmind.blogspot.co.il/">Ancient Ideas for the Modern Mind</a> blog for great <i>Divrei Torah</i> essays and Podcasts!</span></span></div>Yosef Segalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02214385935778151798noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3660309518072827669.post-84355978716538141472017-01-23T21:19:00.001-08:002017-01-23T21:19:19.900-08:00The Purpose of the Akeidah and Yitzchak's Role<div style="text-align: center;"><i>This is the first in a series exploring different ideas in the Torah with &nbsp;implications for Jewish History.</i></div><div style="text-align: center;"><i><br /></i></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi;">Introduction<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><b><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi;">Binding over Sacrifice<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; While studying the events of <i>Akeidas Yitzchak</i>,<a href="file:///C:/Users/Yosef/Documents/The%20purpose%20of%20the%20akeidah%20and%20yitchak's%20role.docx#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>the following questions can be discussed. First, this event is referred to throughout Chazal as <i>Akeidas Yitzchak</i>, “The Binding of Isaac.” While this is an important part of the story,<a href="file:///C:/Users/Yosef/Documents/The%20purpose%20of%20the%20akeidah%20and%20yitchak's%20role.docx#_ftn2" name="_ftnref2" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">[2]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> it was not the purpose if this <i>nisayon</i>. When Hashem commands Avraham to bring Yitzchak up as a sacrifice,<a href="file:///C:/Users/Yosef/Documents/The%20purpose%20of%20the%20akeidah%20and%20yitchak's%20role.docx#_ftn3" name="_ftnref3" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">[3]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> which he succeeds in doing, the fact that he bound Yitzchak up is just a detail, which while important, doesn’t seem to be a reason to call the event after it. As the main purpose was to consecrate Yitzchak as a sacrifice, perhaps a more fitting name would have been <i>“Hakravas Yitzchak” </i>“The Consecration of Yitzchak.” <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><b><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi;">The Exposure of <i>Akeidas Yitzchak<o:p></o:p></i></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Secondly, <i>Akeidas Yitzchak</i> is discussed throughout Chazal as one of the most important events in Jewish History. Perhaps most importantly, we always mention it on Rosh Hashanah, while we are being judged, that the merit of <i>Akeidas Yitzchak</i> should allow the Jewish People to have a good year.<a href="file:///C:/Users/Yosef/Documents/The%20purpose%20of%20the%20akeidah%20and%20yitchak's%20role.docx#_ftn4" name="_ftnref4" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">[4]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> It is also commonly used as an example to the world, including the Jewish People how far Avraham was willing to go to serve Hashem. However, this doesn’t seem like an effective method. First, to advertise ourselves as a nation ready to sacrifice our children, particularly when we abhor human sacrifice, seems counterintuitive.<a href="file:///C:/Users/Yosef/Documents/The%20purpose%20of%20the%20akeidah%20and%20yitchak's%20role.docx#_ftn5" name="_ftnref5" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">[5]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>Furthermore, in a practical sense, the events of Bereishis, as they don’t teach us mitzvos or other laws, are told over in order to teach us life lessons. However, the story of the <i>Akeidah</i> is very difficult to relate to; in which case, what life lessons can we learn from it? The <i>Akeidah</i> does not seem to be a good example to use to represent our nation.&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <b>&nbsp;The <i>Akeidah</i> was a private matter.</b> This idea is strengthened based on an explanation in <i>Emek Davar</i> on the words “<i>Lech Lecha</i>.”<a href="file:///C:/Users/Yosef/Documents/The%20purpose%20of%20the%20akeidah%20and%20yitchak's%20role.docx#_ftn6" name="_ftnref6" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">[6]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> In that instance, the phrase means that Avraham’s journey to <i>Eretz Yisrael </i>would be for his benefit; however, in other cases, this phrase means to keep the matter private. By the <i>Akeidah</i>, Hashem tells Avraham “<i>Lech Lecha</i>”,<a href="file:///C:/Users/Yosef/Documents/The%20purpose%20of%20the%20akeidah%20and%20yitchak's%20role.docx#_ftn7" name="_ftnref7" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">[7]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>meaning he shouldn’t tell anyone where’s he’s going or what he’s doing. It appears that the story of the <i>Akeidah</i> was not supposed to be publicized.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; This explanation is strengthened by the fact that Avraham went to perform the sacrifice alone with Yitzchak, leaving his two attendants at the bottom of the mountain;<a href="file:///C:/Users/Yosef/Documents/The%20purpose%20of%20the%20akeidah%20and%20yitchak's%20role.docx#_ftn8" name="_ftnref8" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">[8]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> also, while other <i>nisyonos</i> were extremely public affairs, by the <i>Akeidah</i>, Avraham did not tell anyone where he was going. That fact that it was written in the Torah doesn’t answer the question; the Torah records great acts of our ancestors, which certainly includes the <i>Akeidah</i>. Additionally, even though the story is known centuries later, consider the fact that no one living at that time ever heard the story!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><br /></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi;">Nisyonos</span></i></b><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><b><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi;">Purpose of <i>Nisyonos<o:p></o:p></i></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><b><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Misconception of <i>nisyonos</i>. </span></b><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi;">In order to understand the <i>Akeidah</i>, we must first discuss what are <i>nisyonos</i> and their purpose.<a href="file:///C:/Users/Yosef/Documents/The%20purpose%20of%20the%20akeidah%20and%20yitchak's%20role.docx#_ftn9" name="_ftnref9" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">[9]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> The word “<i>nisayon</i>” is commonly explained as a test given by Hashem to humans. While this makes sense contextually, it doesn’t make sense from a Torah outlook. As He is all-knowing, Hashem knows whether a person will succeed or fail a <i>nisayon</i>, in which case, it’s not much of a test! If it is a test, it can only be considered a test from a human perspective. <b><o:p></o:p></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <b>Pre-<i>nisyonos</i>. </b>Every person has the ability to reach high levels of spirituality, however, these levels are not given to us freely and cannot be reached all at once; the potential for that spirituality lies dormant inside a person waiting to become active. In order to facilitate this change, Hashem presents a person with a<i> nisayon</i>, meaning a challenge or opportunity, which will present the person with the ability to access this spirituality. Once the person attains this spiritual ability, they can make it part of their everyday life, relating to the world on a higher spiritual plane than before. If they don’t, the potential remains dormant. However, this opportunity will only be presented to someone with the ability to appreciate and access it; otherwise, there would be no purpose in it. Ultimately, Hashem’s goal is to grant someone spirituality, not to see them fail. Below, this process is presented in greater detail.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <b><i>The nisayon process.</i><a href="file:///C:/Users/Yosef/Documents/The%20purpose%20of%20the%20akeidah%20and%20yitchak's%20role.docx#_ftn10" name="_ftnref10" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">[10]</span></b></span><!--[endif]--></span></a><i></i></b>Before presenting a person with a <i>nisayon</i>, Hashem gives a person the ability to access some of their latent spirituality. For a time, a person is influenced by a higher level of spirituality (with no effort involved on his part) and can act accordingly. After a time, Hashem removes that level and returns the person to his original status, and then presents the person with a challenge that someone on the higher level of spirituality would be able to overcome. If the spiritual effect has taken ahold of that person, he will be able to access that level on his own and overcome the <i>nisayon</i>. If he ‘passes’, he is permanently granted that level of spirituality. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; If he is unable to overcome the challenge, he does not lose anything; he simply stays at the level of spirituality he was at before Hashem gave him anything extra. He has not done anything wrong, he simply is not ready to operate on a higher level of spirituality at the present time. Sooner or later, Hashem will present him with the opportunity to try again.&nbsp;&nbsp; <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <b><i>The choice is yours. </i></b>The idea of a <i>nisayon</i> is also that the person has a choice whether or not to take the spiritual opportunity presented before him. Therefore, only righteous people are given <i>nisyonos</i> since the possibility exists that they will choose the spiritual option, while wicked people,</span> <span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi;">who will surely decline, are not given such opportunities.<a href="file:///C:/Users/Yosef/Documents/The%20purpose%20of%20the%20akeidah%20and%20yitchak's%20role.docx#_ftn11" name="_ftnref11" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">[11]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> <i>Nisyonos</i>are ultimately for the good of the person who receives them, making them more of an opportunity than a test. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <b>A waving flag.</b> <i>Nisyonos</i>are not only used to showcase to a person his own potential. The Hebrew word for <i>nisayon</i> is spelled “</span><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi;">ניסיון</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span>”, with the root being “</span><span dir="RTL" lang="HE" style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi;">נס</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi;"><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span>”, meaning banner. Hashem uses the <i>nisayon</i> as an opportunity to broadcast to the world<a href="file:///C:/Users/Yosef/Documents/The%20purpose%20of%20the%20akeidah%20and%20yitchak's%20role.docx#_ftn12" name="_ftnref12" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">[12]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> the greatness of those who serve Him. Achieving a <i>nisayon</i> shows this person to be a true <i>Eved Hashem</i>, and Hashem wants the world to recognize this person for who he is and Who the person is making this sacrifice for.<a href="file:///C:/Users/Yosef/Documents/The%20purpose%20of%20the%20akeidah%20and%20yitchak's%20role.docx#_ftn13" name="_ftnref13" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">[13]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> In this manner, a <i>nisayon</i> acts as a waving flag for all to notice. &nbsp;&nbsp;<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi;">The Nisyonos of <i>Avraham Avinu</i><o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><b><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi;">Documented Trials<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; While every person who has ever existed has been presented with <i>nisyonos</i>, the only definitively stated documented account of a specific nisayon given to an individual is by the <i>Akeidah</i>. <i>Chazal</i> learn that Avraham was presented with a total of ten <i>nisyonos</i>. The fact that they are definitively documented in the Torah means that there is a reason for this number of, and these particular scenarios being used as <i>nisyonos</i>. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Furthermore, the only accounts we have in the Torah of Hashem speaking to Avraham are in connection to his <i>nisyonos</i>. After the <i>Akeidah</i>, his final <i>nisayon</i>, we have no other record of them speaking. It appears the sole purpose of Hashem’s conversing with Avraham was in order to give him these <i>nisyonos</i>; meaning that Avraham’s <i>nisyonos</i>were vital to his relationship with Hashem. Let’s examine the purpose and pattern of the <i>Nisyonos</i> of Avraham. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><b><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi;">Founder Responsibilities<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><b><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></b><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi;">As the founder of the Jewish People, Avraham had a responsibility to put his descendants in the best possible scenario to succeed.<a href="file:///C:/Users/Yosef/Documents/The%20purpose%20of%20the%20akeidah%20and%20yitchak's%20role.docx#_ftn14" name="_ftnref14" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">[14]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> To that end, he was given different <i>nisyonos</i> that were designed to provide a boon for the nation</span> <span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi;">in the future in different aspects. Each <i>nisayon</i> built upon the previous one, and they all led up to the Akeidah; without having overcome the previous nine, Avraham could not have achieved the level required to be presented with the <i>nisayon</i>of the <i>Akeidah</i>.<a href="file:///C:/Users/Yosef/Documents/The%20purpose%20of%20the%20akeidah%20and%20yitchak's%20role.docx#_ftn15" name="_ftnref15" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">[15]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> Upon passing all ten of the <i>nisyonos</i> presented to him, Avraham gave Bnei Yisrael blessings and protection forever throughout time and space. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><i><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <b>Nisayon</b></span></i><b><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi;"> achievements. </span></b><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi;">According to the Ramban, the <i>nisyonos </i>of Avraham granted Bnei Yisrael the following merits: that Avraham would have multitudes of descendants, that they would inherit the whole of <i>Eretz Yisrael</i>, they would be protected from their enemies, they would receive the <i>Hashgachah Pratis</i> of Hashem, they would always (eventually) defeat their enemies and inhabit <i>Eretz Yisrael</i>.<a href="file:///C:/Users/Yosef/Documents/The%20purpose%20of%20the%20akeidah%20and%20yitchak's%20role.docx#_ftn16" name="_ftnref16" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">[16]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>These merits were achieved in stages; after each<i> nisayon</i> a different aspect was unlocked and promised to the Jewish People.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi;">The<i> Akeidah</i><o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;With each of the <i>nisyonos</i> providing a different piece of the puzzle, the <i>Akeidah</i> provided the most important parts. By achieving the <i>Akeidah</i>, Avraham had completed his life mission of establishing the spiritual existence for his descendants. The <i>medrash</i>goes so far as to say that if Avraham had not achieved the <i>Akeidah</i>, he would have lost the merit for the other nine nisyonos as well.<a href="file:///C:/Users/Yosef/Documents/The%20purpose%20of%20the%20akeidah%20and%20yitchak's%20role.docx#_ftn17" name="_ftnref17" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">[17]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>According to the Ramban, the <i>Akeidah</i> guaranteed that the Jewish People would never be destroyed or completely defeated, and that there would eventually be a final <i>geulah</i>.<a href="file:///C:/Users/Yosef/Documents/The%20purpose%20of%20the%20akeidah%20and%20yitchak's%20role.docx#_ftn18" name="_ftnref18" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">[18]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> The promise was so strong, that even the sins of his children would not cancel it out. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Additionally, we mentioned earlier that <i>nisayon</i>comes from the word “<span dir="RTL" lang="HE">נס</span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span><span dir="LTR"></span>”, meaning “banner”, since the <i>nisyonos</i> act as a banner to the world showing the greatness of this person. As the only time the Torah uses the word <i>nisayon</i> and explicitly tells us that Avraham was being tested,<a href="file:///C:/Users/Yosef/Documents/The%20purpose%20of%20the%20akeidah%20and%20yitchak's%20role.docx#_ftn19" name="_ftnref19" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">[19]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> it was the <i>Akeidah </i>that acts as the banner for Avraham to show his greatness more than any other nisayon.<a href="file:///C:/Users/Yosef/Documents/The%20purpose%20of%20the%20akeidah%20and%20yitchak's%20role.docx#_ftn20" name="_ftnref20" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">[20]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>Clearly, it is a very important event in our history. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><b><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi;">The Lesson of the Akeidah</span></b><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; But beyond this, the actual <i>Akeidah</i>is an important idea to which we can relate. Non-Jews have several <i>mitzvos</i>that require them to respect Hashem and His authority over the world. However, only Jews have the <i>mitzvah</i> of <i>Kiddush Hashem</i>, to sanctify Hashem’s name in this world. The basic obligation is to act as an ethical role model and a committed observer of the Torah, however, it also includes being ready to die for Hashem. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; This exclusive commandment is a great honor for the Jewish People! The only people you can ask to make extreme sacrifices are those who you feel extremely close to, usually a close family member. You do not ask an acquaintance, or even a good friend to sacrifice something that big for you. By giving only us this mitzvah to be <i>moser nefesh al Kiddush Hashem</i>, Hashem is showing us that there is no one closer to Him than us.<sup><a href="file:///C:/Users/Yosef/Documents/The%20purpose%20of%20the%20akeidah%20and%20yitchak's%20role.docx#_ftn21" name="_ftnref21" title=""><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><sup><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">[21]</span></sup><!--[endif]--></a></sup>This mitzvah is very important to understanding the relationship between us and Hashem, and it is first given to us by <i>Akeidas Yitzchak</i>. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;"><b><i><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi;">Akeidas Yitzchak<o:p></o:p></span></i></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Until now, we have discussed Avraham’s role in the <i>Akeidah</i> and its effect on history, but what about the other person involved in this act? What was Yitzchak’s role in the <i>Akeidah</i>?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><b><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi;">The <i>Akeidah</i>Wasn’t About Yitzchak&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><b><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></b><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi;">The act of the <i>Akeidah </i>as a <i>nisayon </i>was designed specifically for Avraham. While Yitzchak’s participation in the <i>Akeidah</i> also resulted in merit for the future nation, in terms of the act itself, he was irrelevant.<a href="file:///C:/Users/Yosef/Documents/The%20purpose%20of%20the%20akeidah%20and%20yitchak's%20role.docx#_ftn22" name="_ftnref22" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">[22]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> Each of our <i>Avos </i>represented a different trait of Hashem. Yitzchak, represented the character trait of <i>Din</i>, Justice, so he had no qualms about being sacrificed for the sake of Hashem. If Hashem needed him to die, being that He is the ultimate judge, obviously it was the right thing to do. So the <i>Akeidah</i> wasn’t a nisayon for him like it was for Avraham, who represented kindness.<a href="file:///C:/Users/Yosef/Documents/The%20purpose%20of%20the%20akeidah%20and%20yitchak's%20role.docx#_ftn23" name="_ftnref23" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">[23]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> So why was Yitzchak selected to take part in the <i>Akeidah</i>? Why wasn’t a different candidate taken who would have related to the <i>nisayon</i>?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><b><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Wish granted. </span></b><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi;">The <i>medrash</i> describes a conversation that took place between Yitzchak and Yishmael, arguing who Hashem loved more. They went back and forth until Yishmael said that since he had volunteered to be circumcised when he could have refused, it outweighed Yitzchak’s forced circumcision, even though Yitzchak’s was done at the proper time (when he was eight days old). Since Yitzchak had no choice in the matter he couldn’t receive the same amount of credit. Sensing Yishmael had a good argument, Yitzchak declared that he was greater since Yishmael only gave up a few drops of blood, but if Hashem would ask him to spill all his blood, Yitzchak was ready and willing.<a href="file:///C:/Users/Yosef/Documents/The%20purpose%20of%20the%20akeidah%20and%20yitchak's%20role.docx#_ftn24" name="_ftnref24" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">[24]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>&nbsp; <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Based on this, we can understand why Yitzchak was included in the <i>Akeidah</i>. The <i>nisayon</i> of the <i>Akeidah</i>was going to take place regardless of this conversation; however, the reason why Yitzchak was included was because he asked to be! <o:p></o:p></span></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi;">The Lasting Effect of <i>Akeidas Yitzchak</i> and Yitzchak’s Role<o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; We can now return to our original questions, specifically: 1) Why do we refer to the <i>Akeidah </i>as <i>Akeidas Yitzchak</i>, the Binding of Yitzchak? This was just a small detail within the larger event. Furthermore, the actual <i>nisayon</i> was not about Avraham binding Yitzchak, it was about bringing Yitzchak as a <i>korban</i>. 2) While the story of the Akeidah had far-reaching effects that pertain to us nowadays, it is also used to a certain degree to represent the Jewish People. This doesn’t seem like the best story to use, because of several factors that make it non-relatable, including human sacrifice! We also brought evidence from the <i>Emek Davar</i> that the actual story of the <i>Akeidah</i> was supposed to be a private affair; no one at that time heard the story. Even though it is written in the Torah, perhaps we aren’t meant to publicize the actual story, maybe we are just supposed to take the lessons from it and leave the rest alone?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><b><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi;">Yitzchak’s Impact on the <i>Nisayon</i> of the <i>Akeidah</i><o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <b><i>Mesiras Nefesh</i>. </b>The purpose of the <i>Akeidah</i> was to teach future generations of Bnei Yisrael about the <i>mitzvah</i> of dying for the sake of Hashem, a <i>mitzvah</i> given only to Jews because of our unique parent-child relationship with Hashem.<a href="file:///C:/Users/Yosef/Documents/The%20purpose%20of%20the%20akeidah%20and%20yitchak's%20role.docx#_ftn25" name="_ftnref25" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">[25]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> Even though Avraham was the one making the sacrifice, Yitzchak was the one actually fulfilling this <i>mitzvah</i>. Furthermore, the reason Yitzchak asked to be tied up was in order to prevent Avraham from having any obstacles in sacrificing him. Once he was bound, Yitzchak had no more opportunities to prevent himself from being killed. Therefore, the fact that Yitzchak was bound is the ultimate display of <i>mesiras nefesh al Kiddush Hashem</i>, making it an integral part of the <i>Akeidah</i>. In addition to this, the fact that Yitzchak volunteered for his role in the <i>Akeidah </i>makes it fitting to call the entire episode after him.<a href="file:///C:/Users/Yosef/Documents/The%20purpose%20of%20the%20akeidah%20and%20yitchak's%20role.docx#_ftn26" name="_ftnref26" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">[26]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><b><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi;">Our Relationship to <i>Akeidas Yitzchak</i><o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><b><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></b><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi;">The answer to the second question flows from the above answer, and enlightens us to Avraham’s role in the <i>Akeidah</i>. But first, we must understand that separate from any other ideas, it is important for us to learn about the trials of the great people of our nation. They act as banners both to the Jewish People as well as the rest of the world of the greatness of our ancestors.<a href="file:///C:/Users/Yosef/Documents/The%20purpose%20of%20the%20akeidah%20and%20yitchak's%20role.docx#_ftn27" name="_ftnref27" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">[27]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> It’s even more important for us to learn about the <i>nisyonos</i> of Avraham and the circumstances under which they were achieved, since each <i>nisayon</i>granted us an additional blessing from Hashem for physical and spiritual goodness.<a href="file:///C:/Users/Yosef/Documents/The%20purpose%20of%20the%20akeidah%20and%20yitchak's%20role.docx#_ftn28" name="_ftnref28" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">[28]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>This is especially true of the <i>Akeidah </i>since it was the most essential of all Avraham’s <i>nisyonos</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <b>Meaningful death. </b>Even nowadays, the concept of dying for a cause is still well-understood and admired. And for a parent, it’s even harder to sacrifice your child for a cause than it is to sacrifice yourself. This was the <i>nisayon</i> Hashem presented Avraham with. Avraham was ready to live and die for Hashem, we see that from previous <i>nisyonos</i>, the question was if Avraham was prepared to make an even bigger sacrifice; was he prepared to sacrifice his son for Hashem’s ‘cause’? <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <b><i>Relevant details. </i></b>The fact that the story of the Akeidah was not publicized at the time is because it was a <i>nisayon</i> that would only ever apply to the children of Avraham. Only the Jewish People are obligated to be <i>moser nefesh</i>, and over history, we have been asked to do that many times, including parents sacrificing their children. The first instance of this was by the <i>Akeidah</i>. Avraham went with Yitzchak alone, leaving Yishmael and Eliezer at the bottom of the mountain, because they had no connection to what was going to take place. In contrast, other people were directly involved in a number of other <i>nisyonos</i>, such as Lot by the <i>nisayon</i> of Sarah kidnapped by <i>Paroh</i>, and Yishmael himself was circumcised by the <i>nisayon</i> of <i>Bris Milah</i>. Those events were relevant to others and could therefore involve them. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Based on this, the <i>Akeidah </i>becomes an excellent event to represent the Jewish People, as it shows how far we are willing to go for the ‘cause’ of Hashem. Furthermore, it is a story only relevant for us, and therefore, was kept strictly within the family of Avraham.&nbsp; <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><b><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi;">Accepting the Will of Hashem <o:p></o:p></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><b><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; </span></b><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi;">Another possible answer to first question is as follows. Yitzchak asked to be bound in order that he should be executed without resisting, showing his utter acceptance of the will of Hashem.<a href="file:///C:/Users/Yosef/Documents/The%20purpose%20of%20the%20akeidah%20and%20yitchak's%20role.docx#_ftn29" name="_ftnref29" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">[29]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>Additionally, it is important to us that the <i>Akeidah</i>, and the other <i>nisyonos</i>as well, be something we can relate to. We can relate to the role of Yitzchak in the <i>Akeidah</i> story more than the role of Avraham. We can relate to being compliant, to accepting the will of Hashem, more than being the person who clearly knows the will of Hashem and executes it.<a href="file:///C:/Users/Yosef/Documents/The%20purpose%20of%20the%20akeidah%20and%20yitchak's%20role.docx#_ftn30" name="_ftnref30" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">[30]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> By highlighting Yitzchak’s role, we place our focus on this aspect.<a href="file:///C:/Users/Yosef/Documents/The%20purpose%20of%20the%20akeidah%20and%20yitchak's%20role.docx#_ftn31" name="_ftnref31" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">[31]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><br /></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%; text-align: center;"><b><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi;">Conclusion</span></b><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi;"><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; It is because of these reasons that <i>Akeidas Yitzchak</i> takes such a central role in the <i>Tefillos</i> on Rosh Hashanah.<a href="file:///C:/Users/Yosef/Documents/The%20purpose%20of%20the%20akeidah%20and%20yitchak's%20role.docx#_ftn32" name="_ftnref32" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">[32]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> At our time of judgement, we ask Hashem to remember that show of faith from Avraham, who was ready to give up everything, and the willingness of Yitzchak, who accepted his role in the world, and declare that as their descendants, we have the will (and the obligation) to continue their tradition. There is no better way to represent the Jewish People than this story.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Still, the story of the Akeidah can be a delicate episode for those new to Judaism. For those who do not understand the ‘cause’ of Hashem, it seems insane for Avraham to consider killing his son.<a href="file:///C:/Users/Yosef/Documents/The%20purpose%20of%20the%20akeidah%20and%20yitchak's%20role.docx#_ftn33" name="_ftnref33" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">[33]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>Perhaps the <i>Akeidah</i> can be used to explain the ramifications of being an <i>eved Hashem</i>. When discussing the role of a Jew, it is not simply about the service of Hashem, it’s about changing the world and accepting the responsibility to improve it. It’s about recognizing a cause that is real and right and ultimately leads to a close relationship with the Creator. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><div><br /></div><div><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><i style="background-color: white; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Nation's Wisdom is a project which encourages the masses to share their thoughts and wisdom on a variety of Torah ideas such as Parshah, Halachah, and Hashkafah among others. For more information or to have your idea published, please click&nbsp;<a href="http://nationswisdom.blogspot.co.il/2012/04/welcome-to-nations-wisdom.html" style="color: #818181; text-decoration: none;">here</a>&nbsp;or email us at AIMeMTorah@gmail.com.&nbsp;</span></i><br clear="all" /> <hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" /> <!--[endif]--> <div id="ftn1"> <div class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Yosef/Documents/The%20purpose%20of%20the%20akeidah%20and%20yitchak's%20role.docx#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> Found in Bereishis Chapter 22<o:p></o:p></div></div><div id="ftn2"> <div class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Yosef/Documents/The%20purpose%20of%20the%20akeidah%20and%20yitchak's%20role.docx#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[2]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> The act of binding is described in 22:9. Bereishis Rabba 56:8 explains the importance of this act. Yitzchak suggested he be bound in order that he not accidentally cause Avraham to give him a blemish which would have disqualified him from being a sacrifice.<o:p></o:p></div></div><div id="ftn3"> <div class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Yosef/Documents/The%20purpose%20of%20the%20akeidah%20and%20yitchak's%20role.docx#_ftnref3" name="_ftn3" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[3]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>Bereishis 22:2<o:p></o:p></div></div><div id="ftn4"> <div class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Yosef/Documents/The%20purpose%20of%20the%20akeidah%20and%20yitchak's%20role.docx#_ftnref4" name="_ftn4" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[4]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> See Tanchuma Vayeira 23 for a discussion of how this began<o:p></o:p></div></div><div id="ftn5"> <div class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Yosef/Documents/The%20purpose%20of%20the%20akeidah%20and%20yitchak's%20role.docx#_ftnref5" name="_ftn5" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[5]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>Facing the criticism for this seemingly hypocritical act was part of the <i>nisayon</i>of Avraham<o:p></o:p></div></div><div id="ftn6"> <div class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Yosef/Documents/The%20purpose%20of%20the%20akeidah%20and%20yitchak's%20role.docx#_ftnref6" name="_ftn6" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[6]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>Bereishis 12:1<o:p></o:p></div></div><div id="ftn7"> <div class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Yosef/Documents/The%20purpose%20of%20the%20akeidah%20and%20yitchak's%20role.docx#_ftnref7" name="_ftn7" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[7]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> 22:2<o:p></o:p></div></div><div id="ftn8"> <div class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Yosef/Documents/The%20purpose%20of%20the%20akeidah%20and%20yitchak's%20role.docx#_ftnref8" name="_ftn8" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[8]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> 22:5<o:p></o:p></div></div><div id="ftn9"> <div class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Yosef/Documents/The%20purpose%20of%20the%20akeidah%20and%20yitchak's%20role.docx#_ftnref9" name="_ftn9" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[9]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>Unless otherwise noted, this section on <i>nisyonos</i> is based on the Ramban on Bereishis 22:1<o:p></o:p></div></div><div id="ftn10"> <div class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Yosef/Documents/The%20purpose%20of%20the%20akeidah%20and%20yitchak's%20role.docx#_ftnref10" name="_ftn10" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[10]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>Based on Michtav M’Eliyahu II p.34<o:p></o:p></div></div><div id="ftn11"> <div class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Yosef/Documents/The%20purpose%20of%20the%20akeidah%20and%20yitchak's%20role.docx#_ftnref11" name="_ftn11" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[11]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> It follows that if a wicked person is given a <i>nisayon</i>, then the potential for spirituality exists within him. If he is able to pass it, we hope the spark of goodness lit from this <i>nisayon</i> will be brought out and developed further. <o:p></o:p></div></div><div id="ftn12"> <div class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Yosef/Documents/The%20purpose%20of%20the%20akeidah%20and%20yitchak's%20role.docx#_ftnref12" name="_ftn12" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[12]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>Including the celestial one<o:p></o:p></div></div><div id="ftn13"> <div class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Yosef/Documents/The%20purpose%20of%20the%20akeidah%20and%20yitchak's%20role.docx#_ftnref13" name="_ftn13" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[13]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>Bereishis Rabba 55:1; Kli Yakar Bereishis 22:12<o:p></o:p></div></div><div id="ftn14"> <div class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Yosef/Documents/The%20purpose%20of%20the%20akeidah%20and%20yitchak's%20role.docx#_ftnref14" name="_ftn14" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[14]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>Ramban Bereishis 12:6<o:p></o:p></div></div><div id="ftn15"> <div class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Yosef/Documents/The%20purpose%20of%20the%20akeidah%20and%20yitchak's%20role.docx#_ftnref15" name="_ftn15" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[15]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> Emek Davar Bereishis 22:1<o:p></o:p></div></div><div id="ftn16"> <div class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Yosef/Documents/The%20purpose%20of%20the%20akeidah%20and%20yitchak's%20role.docx#_ftnref16" name="_ftn16" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[16]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>Bereishis 12:6; 13:17; 15:1,6,18; 17:1; 22:16<o:p></o:p></div></div><div id="ftn17"> <div class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Yosef/Documents/The%20purpose%20of%20the%20akeidah%20and%20yitchak's%20role.docx#_ftnref17" name="_ftn17" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[17]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>Bereishis Rabba 55:1-3<o:p></o:p></div></div><div id="ftn18"> <div class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Yosef/Documents/The%20purpose%20of%20the%20akeidah%20and%20yitchak's%20role.docx#_ftnref18" name="_ftn18" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[18]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>Bereishis 22:16<o:p></o:p></div></div><div id="ftn19"> <div class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Yosef/Documents/The%20purpose%20of%20the%20akeidah%20and%20yitchak's%20role.docx#_ftnref19" name="_ftn19" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[19]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> See Bereishis 22:1<o:p></o:p></div></div><div id="ftn20"> <div class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Yosef/Documents/The%20purpose%20of%20the%20akeidah%20and%20yitchak's%20role.docx#_ftnref20" name="_ftn20" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[20]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> Emek Davar 22:1<o:p></o:p></div></div><div id="ftn21"> <div class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Yosef/Documents/The%20purpose%20of%20the%20akeidah%20and%20yitchak's%20role.docx#_ftnref21" name="_ftn21" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[21]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> Ibid 22:17<o:p></o:p></div></div><div id="ftn22"> <div class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Yosef/Documents/The%20purpose%20of%20the%20akeidah%20and%20yitchak's%20role.docx#_ftnref22" name="_ftn22" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[22]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> Ibid 22:1. He further explains that by participating in the <i>Akeidah</i>, Yitzchak established a connection between <i>Korbanos</i> and their ability to provide <i>parnassah</i>for Bnei Yisrael. This is a common theme found in the <i>Emek Davar</i>. See Bereishis 2:5 for more.<o:p></o:p></div></div><div id="ftn23"> <div class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Yosef/Documents/The%20purpose%20of%20the%20akeidah%20and%20yitchak's%20role.docx#_ftnref23" name="_ftn23" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[23]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> Emes L’Yaakov Bereishis 27:12<o:p></o:p></div></div><div id="ftn24"> <div class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Yosef/Documents/The%20purpose%20of%20the%20akeidah%20and%20yitchak's%20role.docx#_ftnref24" name="_ftn24" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[24]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>Bereishis Rabba 55:4<o:p></o:p></div></div><div id="ftn25"> <div class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Yosef/Documents/The%20purpose%20of%20the%20akeidah%20and%20yitchak's%20role.docx#_ftnref25" name="_ftn25" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[25]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> <i>Emek Davar</i> Bereishis 22:17. While the non-Jews have a relationship with Hashem, it is nowhere near the same degree.<o:p></o:p></div></div><div id="ftn26"> <div class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Yosef/Documents/The%20purpose%20of%20the%20akeidah%20and%20yitchak's%20role.docx#_ftnref26" name="_ftn26" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[26]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>Bereishis Rabba 55:4. Yitzchak did not help determine that the <i>nisayon</i>of the<i> Akeidah</i> would take place, but he did make sure he would be involved. And whether or not Yitzchak was supposed to be involved, the fact that he volunteered without knowledge of his role is a credit to him.<o:p></o:p></div></div><div id="ftn27"> <div class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Yosef/Documents/The%20purpose%20of%20the%20akeidah%20and%20yitchak's%20role.docx#_ftnref27" name="_ftn27" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[27]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> Kli Yakar Bereishis 22:12<o:p></o:p></div></div><div id="ftn28"> <div class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Yosef/Documents/The%20purpose%20of%20the%20akeidah%20and%20yitchak's%20role.docx#_ftnref28" name="_ftn28" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[28]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>Ramban 12:6<o:p></o:p></div></div><div id="ftn29"> <div class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Yosef/Documents/The%20purpose%20of%20the%20akeidah%20and%20yitchak's%20role.docx#_ftnref29" name="_ftn29" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[29]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> This is even without mentioning the Emek Davar in 22:17<o:p></o:p></div></div><div id="ftn30"> <div class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Yosef/Documents/The%20purpose%20of%20the%20akeidah%20and%20yitchak's%20role.docx#_ftnref30" name="_ftn30" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[30]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a>Avraham was a <i>Navi</i>; he knew exactly what Hashem wanted from him because Hashem told him! We can’t know exactly what we’re supposed to do; instead, we follow the Torah and do our best to understand our roles.<o:p></o:p></div></div><div id="ftn31"> <div class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Yosef/Documents/The%20purpose%20of%20the%20akeidah%20and%20yitchak's%20role.docx#_ftnref31" name="_ftn31" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[31]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> This answer can also be used to answer the second question<o:p></o:p></div></div><div id="ftn32"> <div class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Yosef/Documents/The%20purpose%20of%20the%20akeidah%20and%20yitchak's%20role.docx#_ftnref32" name="_ftn32" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[32]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> See Yalkut Shimoni 101 on the Torah on the phrase <i>“Avraham Avraham”</i> for more on this<o:p></o:p></div></div><div id="ftn33"> <div class="MsoFootnoteText"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Yosef/Documents/The%20purpose%20of%20the%20akeidah%20and%20yitchak's%20role.docx#_ftnref33" name="_ftn33" title=""><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoFootnoteReference"><span style="font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-ascii-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; mso-bidi-language: HE; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin; mso-hansi-theme-font: minor-latin;">[33]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></a> See ibid on the phrase <i>“Vayaa’kod es Yitzchak”</i> for more<o:p></o:p></div></div></div>Yosef Segalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02214385935778151798noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3660309518072827669.post-48090192207135403992016-06-16T02:54:00.000-07:002016-06-16T02:54:11.232-07:00Korbanos: The What and Why<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><b><u><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi;">Korbanos</span></u></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Over the course of Sefer Vayikra, we received numerous questions concerning Korbanos, the&nbsp;</span><span style="line-height: 18.4px;">sacrifices</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">&nbsp;that are&nbsp;discussed throughout the Torah, but especially in Sefer Vayikra, that are a major theme of our religion. &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi;">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;To the modern-day mind, it is perhaps the strangest tradition we have. It becomes even stranger the more we understand the concept of Hashem; the fact that He has no needs, wants, or desires seems to back the idea that Korbanos are completely unnecessary. While we understand Tefillah, which replaces the need for Korbanos nowadays to a certain extent, the idea of sacrificing an animal to please Hashem seems a little more foreign.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p></span><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18.4px;">In continuation of the <i>Nation's Wisdom</i> project, today we present a short summary of the purpose and meaning behind sacrifices in Jewish religion.</span><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18.4px;">&nbsp;</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The three questions we will be discussing here are: 1) What is the reason behind the act of Korbanos 2) What is the purpose served by Korbanos 3) Why do we bring Korbanos in this fashion.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;The laws of korbanos are extremely specific. Each korban is brought from a different animal, with different amounts of accessories (wine, oil, etc.), slaughtered in a different area of the Beis Hamikdash, with some only brought at specific times of year. These laws are laid out very clearly in the Torah and in Torah She Baal Peh; if one wrong step is made, the entire korban is thrown out. The reason for this&nbsp;</span><span style="line-height: 18.4px;">specificity</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">&nbsp;is because each aspect of the korban is arranged to provide us with a different&nbsp;type of <i>hashgacha</i> over us.&nbsp;<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi;"><b><br /></b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi;"><b>Root of Korbanos</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <a href="https://www.blogger.com/null">We</a></span><span class="MsoCommentReference"><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 115%;">&nbsp;</span></span><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi;">commonly translate a korban as a “sacrifice” which is correct, however, the root of the word is “<i>kareiv</i>”, meaning “to come close.” This is the true purpose of korbanos, to bring us closer to Hashem. Anything we would bring on the mizbe'ach, be it plant, animal, or mineral, is completely useless to Him. Picture it this way, imagine a little kid comes inside and hands his mother a bunch of wild dandelions while at the same time, sitting on the table is a vase with a huge bouquet of roses. Even though the roses are a lot more valuable and much more beautiful, the fact that her son has brought her a gift makes this tiny dandelion bouquet the most precious thing in the world. At the end of the day, it is the <b>thought</b> behind the gift that it important.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The same is true with korbanos. As long as we recognize the amazing opportunity that korbanos provide, as well as realize that Hashem accepts our korbanos only as a way of strengthening the bond between us, then korbanos will work. This is the major difference between our daily tefillos and korbanos. Tefillah is an amazing opportunity for us to come close to Hashem, however, in every relationship, part of its growth is dependent on those involved showing they care by giving each other gifts. That is the relationship aspect that korbanos gives us that nothing else can. That’s why there are so many laws about the condition the animal must be in when it is brought; since it is going to be a gift, shouldn’t it be the best you can get?&nbsp;<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; This shows the&nbsp;</span><span style="line-height: 18.4px;">significance</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">&nbsp;of the loss of the Beis Hamikdash, as now we no longer have that opportunity to&nbsp;improve our relationship with Hashem by bringing Him gifts. In fact, we see in Tanach how Bnei Yisrael stopped appreciating this opportunity to bring gifts, which in part led to the destruction of the Beis Hamikdash. (See Malachi 1:13.)&nbsp;<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi;">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;So we now understand why we bring korbanos, but why did Hashem choose animals to sacrifice? It seems a little barbaric. Wouldn’t a nice bouquet of flowers or a strong bushel of wheat be just as nice a gift? Perhaps Hashem is even a vegetarian!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi;"><b>Why Do We Bring Korbanos if Hashem Doesn't Eat?</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null">There</a></span><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi;">&nbsp;are several reasons why you bring a korban, it can be in order to bring Hashem a gift, to ask forgiveness for a sin, or for a specific mitzvah. There is an idea that at every step of the korban process, its’ owner is supposed to view himself as if that act is being done to him. When you see the Kohen performing <i>Vidui</i>, slaughtering, burning the animal on the big fire on the mizbe'ach… it’s a very powerful image if you transfer yourself in its place. However, the only way you can really picture yourself up there is if the sacrifice is alive. Watching someone cut the stems from flowers does not really give you the chills. Watching blood spurt from a cow’s neck can, however, make you start rubbing yours a little more often…<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi;"><b>What About the Animal?</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <a href="https://www.blogger.com/null">In</a></span><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi;">&nbsp;case, you’re worried about the animal, being made into a korban is actually the best thing that can happen to it from a spiritual perspective. Animals don’t have mitzvos, they don’t learn Torah, and they cannot choose to serve Hashem. Not having those three things can severely limit your ability to increase your spiritual levels. Being brought as a korban, actually, even just being <b>designated</b> as a korban, is a tremendously spiritually uplifting experience for the animal that it would not receive if it was turned into, let’s say, a burger at your Memorial Day BBQ!&nbsp;</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi;">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;This idea can be proven in two ways. First, an animal that is designated as a korban and then for whatever reason is not brought, still retains a level of <i>kedushah</i> in that you can no longer eat it or use it for work in the fields. Also, when Yitzchak was almost brought as a korban, afterwards, he retained a level of <i>kedushah</i> that he was not allowed to leave Eretz Yisrael. We see from these two cases that simply being designated as a korban raises your spiritual level, whether you be man or beast.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi;"><b>Why We Have Korbanos</b></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <a href="https://www.blogger.com/null">There</a></span><span class="MsoCommentReference"><span style="font-size: 8.0pt; line-height: 115%;">&nbsp;</span></span><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi;"> is a famous <i>machlokes</i> between the Rambam and the Ramban, brought in the Ramban’s commentary to <i>Vayikra</i> 1:9. The Rambam is quoted that the reason Hashem gave us korbanos was in order to show us specifically that pagan concept of sacrifice was wrong. The religions that had begun before Judaism had their own concept of sacrifice that they used to serve their gods and Hashem wanted to show the Bnei Yisrael immediately that while it was a good idea to bring sacrifices (we see the <i>Avos</i> did it), the way the gentiles were doing it was all wrong. Therefore, He told us to bring korbanos, but with certain guidelines (such as only using salt as a spice, specifically no honey, only using kosher animals, etc.). <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; The Ramban asks four questions on this Rambam, we will only bring the first. There is no mitzvah in the Torah that was given to us just in order to show the <i>goyim</i> that they were wrong, why would korbanos be this way? Therefore, the Ramban explains similar to what we said earlier. Hashem set up the practice of korbanos in order to help us atone for sins, and He specifically commanded us in animal sacrifice because it corresponds more to the way humans sin. A person sins with his thoughts, words, and actions. So a person does an <b>act</b> of <i>Vidui</i> and leans on the animal in order to atone for his actions, the recitation of&nbsp;<i>Vidui</i> corresponds to sins with words, and the animal’s innards are burnt since the stomach and kidneys are considered the organs that control a person’s thoughts and desires. The limbs are burnt to represent the acts done by the person’s limbs, and the blood is thrown on the sides of the mizbe'ach and represents the person’s <i>neshama</i>. All this is to show a person how really<b> he</b> should be up there, but through Hashem’s kindness, He allows him to bring an animal to die in his stead.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi;">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;In today’s modern society, animal sacrifice does seem to be a nonsensical custom. But similar to tefillah, when we consider what it does for us, we can look at korbanos the same way. First, we are giving Hashem a gift. Therefore, it must be a nice gift, in good condition, given with good intentions, and must come from the heart. Secondly, we specifically use animals in order that the korban process will make a stronger impact on us. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi;">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;There is another amazing concept that comes out of korbanos that allows us to increase our relationship and understanding of with Hashem even nowadays. Slaughtering an animal is dirty, tiring work that you wouldn’t do unless you had to. Plus, when you did it, you wouldn’t wear beautiful clothing an stand in a beautiful hall; you would wear old clothing and bring the animal outside or to a place where nothing would get ruined. Yet, this is exactly what went on in the Beis Hamikdash! The Kohanim would be wearing their beautiful white clothing while standing in the gorgeous hall that was the <i>azarah</i> of the Beis Hamikdash.&nbsp;</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;We look at the act of sacrifice that we wouldn’t want to bring a korban unless we were specifically commanded by Hashem. Once we are commanded, we initially do it because we have to. But when all the work is done, after you’re covered with blood and exhausted from running all around getting everything ready for the mizbe’ach, and you see that incredible fire come down straight from the heavens and burn up the korban in a moment of pure kedushah, you realize that this whole act is an act of kedushah. Furthermore, you realize that this kedushah came as a direct result of your actions!&nbsp;</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, serif; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Three things come out from this idea: 1) bringing a korban is a way that Hashem shows how our actions can directly result in kedushah coming into this world. With most mitzvos, we don’t see this right away, but with korbanos we do. 2) Kedushah can be found anywhere. Even in apparently dirty and disgusting activities. 3) If Hashem commanded it, then it is not disgusting or debasing, no matter how much it seems to be that way.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Sadly, with the destruction of the Beis Hamikdash, korbanos are not applicable. We pray for the day when the Beis Hamikdash will be rebuilt and we may once again enjoy the opportunity to bring korbanos.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;Hopefully this gives you at least&nbsp;</span><span style="line-height: 18.4px;">some</span><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;">&nbsp;understanding into the practice of Korbanos. Please understand that this is in no way a comprehensive essay and even this small article was edited down to size! Any questions can be directed to me at AimemTorah@gmail.com, and stay tuned for more of these essays right here at <i>Nation's Wisdom</i>! Lets us know what you want to learn about!</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i style="background-color: white; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="font-size: medium;">Nation's Wisdom is a project which encourages the masses to share their thoughts and wisdom on a variety of Torah ideas such as Parshah, Halachah, and Hashkafah among others. For more information or to have your idea published, please click&nbsp;<a href="http://nationswisdom.blogspot.co.il/2012/04/welcome-to-nations-wisdom.html" style="color: #818181; text-decoration: none;">here</a>&nbsp;or email us at AIMeMTorah@gmail.com.&nbsp;</span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><i style="background-color: white; font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;, serif; font-size: 13.2px; line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><br /></span></i></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="background-color: #fff9ee; color: #222222; font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;">Don't forget to check out</span><a href="http://hashkafahandbook.com/" style="background-color: #fff9ee; color: #888888; font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">&nbsp;hashkafahandbook.com</a><span style="background-color: #fff9ee; color: #222222; font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;">&nbsp;to learn about my book,</span><i style="background-color: #fff9ee; color: #222222; font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;">Reality Check</i><span style="background-color: #fff9ee; color: #222222; font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;">. And Like it on&nbsp;</span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashkafahandbook/" style="background-color: #fff9ee; color: #888888; font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">Facebook</a><span style="background-color: #fff9ee; color: #222222; font-family: &quot;Trebuchet MS&quot;, sans-serif; font-size: 15.4px; line-height: 21.56px;">.</span></div><div><div><div class="msocomtxt" id="_com_4" language="JavaScript"> <!--[if !supportAnnotations]--></div><!--[endif]--></div></div>Yosef Segalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02214385935778151798noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3660309518072827669.post-13154438432998192972015-12-26T13:13:00.001-08:002015-12-26T13:13:23.859-08:00"Reality Check" Exclusive Preview!<i>Dear Readers,</i><br /><i>The wait is nearly over! In the coming weeks, my book, "Reality Check: A Handbook of Hashkafa", will finally be released to the public! I am very excited to share this work with you. So while you are waiting to pick up your copy of "Reality Check", here is a preview, available exclusively here on "Nation's Wisdom"</i>:<br /><br /><div align="center" class="BodyA" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><u><span lang="NL" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; line-height: 115%;">Chapter 6</span></u></b><b><i><u><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></u></i></b></span></div><div align="center" class="BodyA" style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><u><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; line-height: 115%;"><i>Olam Habah</i></span></u></b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="BodyA"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; line-height: 115%;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; There are constant references throughout <i>Torah shebe</i></span><i><span lang="FR" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; line-height: 115%;">’</span></i><i><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; line-height: 115%;">al peh</span></i><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; line-height: 115%;"> regarding how everything we do in this world is not for this world, but for a world after this one — a world fittingly known as <i>Olam</i> <i>Habah</i>, the World to Come. Two of the more famous references are: “<i>This world is like a corridor before the World to Come. Prepare yourself in the corridor in order to enter the banquet hall</i>,”</span><a href="file:///C:/Users/Yosef/Documents/Hashkafa%20Handbook/Reality%20Check/Segal,%20DK_BL%20pr_HG_for%20AU%20(reviewed%20and%20returned%20by%20AU).docx#_ftn1" name="_ftnref1" title=""><sup><span style="line-height: 115%;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><sup><span style="border: none; color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">[1]</span></sup><!--[endif]--></span></sup></a><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; line-height: 115%;"> and “<i>He who works on Shabbos eve will eat on Shabbos.”</i></span><sup><span style="line-height: 115%;"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Yosef/Documents/Hashkafa%20Handbook/Reality%20Check/Segal,%20DK_BL%20pr_HG_for%20AU%20(reviewed%20and%20returned%20by%20AU).docx#_ftn2" title=""><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><sup><span style="border: none; color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">[2]</span></sup></a>&nbsp;</span></sup><i><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; line-height: 115%;">Olam Habah</span></i><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; line-height: 115%;"> itself is described as a place where tzaddikim sit and bask in the glory of the </span><i><span lang="ES-TRAD" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; line-height: 115%;">Shechinah</span></i><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; line-height: 115%;">, where peace reigns, where the glory of Hashem is seen…</span><a href="file:///C:/Users/Yosef/Documents/Hashkafa%20Handbook/Reality%20Check/Segal,%20DK_BL%20pr_HG_for%20AU%20(reviewed%20and%20returned%20by%20AU).docx#_ftn3" name="_ftnref3" title=""><sup><span style="line-height: 115%;"><sup><span style="border: none; color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">[3]</span></sup></span></sup></a><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; line-height: 115%;"></span></span></div><div class="BodyA"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; line-height: 115%;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Did you understand any of what you just read? It</span><span lang="FR" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; line-height: 115%;">’</span><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; line-height: 115%;">s not exactly a clear description. So what, then, is <i>Olam Habah</i>?</span><b><span lang="SV" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></span></div><div class="BodyA"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span lang="SV" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; line-height: 115%;">Understanding </span></b><b><i><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; line-height: 115%;">Olam Habah</span></i></b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="BodyA"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; line-height: 115%;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; At its simplest level, <i>Olam Habah</i>is the primary goal for our existence in this world, as well as the destination for our souls after we die. Everything we do in this life is in order for us to benefit from the pure spiritual atmosphere that is <i>Olam Habah</i>. For that</span><span lang="FR" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; line-height: 115%;">’</span><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; line-height: 115%;">s exactly what it is, a place of spirituality where we can come close to G-d in a way that would not be possible in this physical world. <i>Olam Habah</i> is where we receive our reward (or punishment, </span><i><span lang="ES-TRAD" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; line-height: 115%;">chas</span></i><span lang="ES-TRAD" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; line-height: 115%;"> </span><i><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; line-height: 115%;">v</span></i><i><span lang="FR" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; line-height: 115%;">’</span></i><i><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; line-height: 115%;">shalom</span></i><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; line-height: 115%;">) for our actions in this world. While there is a concept of reward in this world as well,</span><a href="file:///C:/Users/Yosef/Documents/Hashkafa%20Handbook/Reality%20Check/Segal,%20DK_BL%20pr_HG_for%20AU%20(reviewed%20and%20returned%20by%20AU).docx#_ftn4" name="_ftnref4" title=""><sup><span style="line-height: 115%;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><sup><span style="border: none; color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">[4]</span></sup><!--[endif]--></span></sup></a><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; line-height: 115%;"> the reward we truly covet is the spiritual reward found in the World to Come, which is infinitely more enjoyable. Our whole journey through this world is only so that we can grow spiritually in order to gain more reward in <i>Olam Habah</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="BodyA"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; line-height: 115%;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <i>Olam Habah</i> can be gained in only one second,</span><a href="file:///C:/Users/Yosef/Documents/Hashkafa%20Handbook/Reality%20Check/Segal,%20DK_BL%20pr_HG_for%20AU%20(reviewed%20and%20returned%20by%20AU).docx#_ftn5" name="_ftnref5" title=""><sup><span style="line-height: 115%;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><sup><span style="border: none; color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">[5]</span></sup><!--[endif]--></span></sup></a><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; line-height: 115%;"> or even through the performance of a single mitzvah! However, once we enter <i>Olam</i> <i>Habah</i>, we can no longer achieve higher levels of spirituality. <i>Olam Habah</i> is a place of existence, not of growth. All growth must be done through Torah and mitzvos, and they can only be performed in this world.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="BodyA"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; line-height: 115%;">"The Importance of the World"</span><span class="MsoCommentReference"><span style="color: windowtext; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 115%;"></span></span></span></div><div class="BodyA"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; line-height: 115%;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; There is a famous story told about the Vilna Gaon. When he was on his deathbed, he clutched his </span><span lang="DE" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; line-height: 115%;">tzitzis</span><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; line-height: 115%;">in his hands and began to cry. He explained, “Here I can purchase a mitzvah for a few pennies, and through it gain immeasurable reward. But in the next world, no matter how much money I spend, I cannot gain any reward and serve my Creator!” Based on his incredible life of learning and teaching Torah, the Gaon was assured a prominent spot in the World to Come (and he must have known it), and yet he </span><i><span lang="SV" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; line-height: 115%;">still</span></i><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; line-height: 115%;"> wanted to reach higher and higher levels of <i>ruchniyus</i>.<b><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div><div class="BodyA"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; line-height: 115%;">Appreciating <i>Olam Habah</i></span></b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="BodyA"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; line-height: 115%;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Once we</span><span lang="FR" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; line-height: 115%;">’</span><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; line-height: 115%;">re in <i>Olam Habah</i>, all that is left of us is our spiritual essence, our soul. In order to gain access to this spiritual existence, we must leave our physical body behind in this world, but we only do so after we have gained as much spirituality as possible through learning Torah, doing mitzvos, and serving Hashem in any way we can. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="BodyA"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; line-height: 115%;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; This provides an interesting insight: <i>Olam Habah</i> is totally spiritual, and we know that spirituality comes from Hashem, and by extension, the Torah. Therefore, people who do not appreciate Torah and mitzvos (regardless of whether or not they keep them) will <i>not</i></span><span lang="IT" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; line-height: 115%;"> appreciate</span><b><span lang="IT" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; line-height: 115%;"> </span></b><i><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; line-height: 115%;">Olam Habah</span></i><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; line-height: 115%;">! <o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="BodyA"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; line-height: 115%;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Imagine someone who does not seek spirituality or appreciate it. Would he even <i>want</i> to live in a place like <i>Olam</i> <i>Habah</i>? This is another reason why it</span><span lang="FR" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; line-height: 115%;">’</span><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; line-height: 115%;">s important for us to understand what it is we</span><span lang="FR" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; line-height: 115%;">’</span><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; line-height: 115%;">re doing when we observe mitzvos; it</span><span lang="FR" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; line-height: 115%;">’</span><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; line-height: 115%;">s the only way for us to truly appreciate our actions, even if we</span><span lang="FR" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; line-height: 115%;">’</span><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; line-height: 115%;">re already keeping the Torah. And it</span><span lang="FR" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; line-height: 115%;">’</span><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; line-height: 115%;">s the only way for us to truly gain <i>Olam Habah</i>.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="BodyA"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;">"What Is Spirituality"<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="BodyA"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; line-height: 115%;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; While we may know of the </span><span lang="NL" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; line-height: 115%;">gemaras</span><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; line-height: 115%;">and <i>midrashim</i> that describe the atmosphere of <i>Olam Habah</i>,</span><a href="file:///C:/Users/Yosef/Documents/Hashkafa%20Handbook/Reality%20Check/Segal,%20DK_BL%20pr_HG_for%20AU%20(reviewed%20and%20returned%20by%20AU).docx#_ftn6" name="_ftnref6" title=""><sup><span style="line-height: 115%;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><sup><span style="border: none; color: black; font-family: Calibri, sans-serif;">[6]</span></sup><!--[endif]--></span></sup></a><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; line-height: 115%;"> since it</span><span lang="FR" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; line-height: 115%;">’</span><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; line-height: 115%;">s a spiritual existence, it</span><span lang="FR" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; line-height: 115%;">’</span><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; line-height: 115%;">s impossible for us physical beings to really understand what is actually happening there; the level of <i>kedushah</i> goes beyond our ability to express it in words or fully conceptualize it. But whatever concepts we <i>do</i><b></b>have, we can apply them to our understanding of <i>Olam Habah</i>…and multiply it by infinity!<o:p></o:p></span></span></div><div class="BodyA"><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; line-height: 115%;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; Sometimes, it is mistakenly believed that there are three planes of existence: this world, <i>Olam Habah</i>, and whatever plane Hashem exists on. This is not true, as <i>Olam</i> <i>Habah</i>is not separate from Hashem; it is the same place as Hashem. When people die, we daven that their souls merit being next to Hashem</span><span lang="FR" style="font-family: Cambria, serif; line-height: 115%;">’</span><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; line-height: 115%;">s throne, the <i>Kisei HaKavod</i>. Our intention is that they should be as close as possible to the spirituality of G-d, which is <i>Olam</i> <i>Habah</i>. <b><o:p></o:p></b></span></span></div><div class="BodyA"><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; line-height: 115%;">The Purpose of Living in This World </span></b><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; If the whole purpose of our life in this world is to get to the next, then why is this world even necessary? Why didn</span><span lang="FR" style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">’</span><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">t Hashem put us straight into <i>Olam Habah</i>in order to immediately take pleasure in His </span><i><span lang="ES-TRAD" style="font-family: Cambria, serif;">Shechinah</span></i><span style="font-family: Cambria, serif;"> instead of having us struggle through this world with all of its challenges?....</span></span><br /><span style="font-family: &quot;Cambria&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-language: EN-US;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i>Want to read the rest of the chapter? How about the entire book! Make sure to pick up your copy of "Reality Check", available in Jewish bookstores in January 2016!</i> &nbsp;</span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><i>Learn more by visiting our website at Hashkafahandbook.com and by liking our <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hashkafahandbook/?ref=hl">Facebook page</a>.</i></span><br /><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><i style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 18.4px;"><span style="font-size: large;">Nation's Wisdom is a project which encourages the masses to share their thoughts and wisdom on a variety of Torah ideas such as Parshah, Halachah, and Hashkafah among others. For more information or to have your idea published, please click&nbsp;<a href="http://nationswisdom.blogspot.co.il/2012/04/welcome-to-nations-wisdom.html" style="color: #818181; text-decoration: none;">here</a>&nbsp;or email us at AIMeMTorah@gmail.com. &nbsp;</span></i><br /><div><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><br clear="all" /> <hr align="left" size="1" width="33%" /> <!--[endif]--> <div id="ftn1"> <div class="BodyB"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Yosef/Documents/Hashkafa%20Handbook/Reality%20Check/Segal,%20DK_BL%20pr_HG_for%20AU%20(reviewed%20and%20returned%20by%20AU).docx#_ftnref1" name="_ftn1" title=""><sup><span style="font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><sup><span style="border: none; color: black; font-size: 14pt;">[1]</span></sup><!--[endif]--></span></sup></a><i>Avos</i> 4:16.<o:p></o:p></div></div><div id="ftn2"> <div class="BodyB"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Yosef/Documents/Hashkafa%20Handbook/Reality%20Check/Segal,%20DK_BL%20pr_HG_for%20AU%20(reviewed%20and%20returned%20by%20AU).docx#_ftnref2" name="_ftn2" title=""><sup><span style="font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><sup><span style="border: none; color: black; font-size: 14pt;">[2]</span></sup><!--[endif]--></span></sup></a><i>Avodah Zarah</i> 3a. The Gemara is explaining that only those who prepare themselves in this world, through doing Torah and <i>mitzvos</i>, will be able to enjoy the benefits of <i><span lang="DE">Olam Habah</span></i>.<o:p></o:p></div></div><div id="ftn3"> <div class="BodyB"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Yosef/Documents/Hashkafa%20Handbook/Reality%20Check/Segal,%20DK_BL%20pr_HG_for%20AU%20(reviewed%20and%20returned%20by%20AU).docx#_ftnref3" name="_ftn3" title=""><sup><span style="font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><sup><span style="border: none; color: black; font-size: 14pt;">[3]</span></sup><!--[endif]--></span></sup></a><i>Brachos</i> 17a.<o:p></o:p></div></div><div id="ftn4"> <div class="BodyB"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Yosef/Documents/Hashkafa%20Handbook/Reality%20Check/Segal,%20DK_BL%20pr_HG_for%20AU%20(reviewed%20and%20returned%20by%20AU).docx#_ftnref4" name="_ftn4" title=""><sup><span style="font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><sup><span style="border: none; color: black; font-size: 14pt;">[4]</span></sup><!--[endif]--></span></sup></a><span lang="NL"> See </span><i>Pe</i><i><span lang="FR">’</span>ah</i> 1:1.<o:p></o:p></div></div><div id="ftn5"> <div class="BodyB"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Yosef/Documents/Hashkafa%20Handbook/Reality%20Check/Segal,%20DK_BL%20pr_HG_for%20AU%20(reviewed%20and%20returned%20by%20AU).docx#_ftnref5" name="_ftn5" title=""><sup><span style="font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><sup><span style="border: none; color: black; font-size: 14pt;">[5]</span></sup><!--[endif]--></span></sup></a><i>Avodah Zarah</i> 18a.<o:p></o:p></div></div><div id="ftn6"> <div class="BodyB"><a href="file:///C:/Users/Yosef/Documents/Hashkafa%20Handbook/Reality%20Check/Segal,%20DK_BL%20pr_HG_for%20AU%20(reviewed%20and%20returned%20by%20AU).docx#_ftnref6" name="_ftn6" title=""><sup><span style="font-family: &quot;Calibri&quot;,&quot;sans-serif&quot;; font-size: 14.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><sup><span style="border: none; color: black; font-size: 14pt;">[6]</span></sup><!--[endif]--></span></sup></a>See the first paragraph of this chapter.<o:p></o:p></div></div></div><br /><div><!--[if !supportAnnotations]--> <div><div class="msocomtxt" id="_com_1" language="JavaScript"><br /> <!--[if !supportAnnotations]--></div><!--[endif]--></div></div>Yosef Segalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02214385935778151798noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3660309518072827669.post-15236087169425262892015-12-23T13:17:00.000-08:002015-12-23T13:17:24.259-08:00"Reality Check" Exclusive Coming!Dear Readers,<br /><br />For those who follow the <i>Ancient Ideas</i> blog, you probably saw a post on the upcoming release of <i>Reality Check: A Handbook of Hashkafa</i>. This book presents the explanations to many of the basic ideas of Judaism, from why we keep Shabbos, to how we are supposed to view tefillah, the truth of the Torah, and much more. Each chapter is written in a way that the topic can be read and understood in only a few minutes, making it easy to understand and absorb these important ideas.<br /><br />We are getting closer and closer to the release date, books are being shipped to the United States and the UK as we speak, and the book should be released in Israel shortly!<br /><br />In the meantime, I wanted to provide you with a little taste of what you will get from <i>Reality Check</i>. At the end of this week, come here to see an exclusive preview and get a better idea of what <i>Reality Check</i> is all about.<br /><br />Until then, please continue to visit the website, hashkafahandbook.com, like our <a href="http://facebook.com/hashkafahandbook">facebook page</a> and follow us on Twitter (@aimemtorah).<br /><br /><i style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 16px; line-height: 18.4px;">Nation's Wisdom is a project which encourages the masses to share their thoughts and wisdom on a variety of Torah ideas such as Parshah, Halachah, and Hashkafah among others. For more information or to have your idea published, please click&nbsp;<a href="http://nationswisdom.blogspot.co.il/2012/04/welcome-to-nations-wisdom.html" style="color: #818181; text-decoration: none;">here</a>&nbsp;or email us at AIMeMTorah@gmail.com. &nbsp;</i>Yosef Segalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02214385935778151798noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3660309518072827669.post-17525286071980221372014-05-30T01:47:00.001-07:002014-05-30T01:47:10.630-07:00Themes of Sefer Bamidbar<div style="text-align: center;"><i>Last year, we started a project of discovering the themes of each Sefer in Chumash. So far, we have gone through Sefer Devarim. With us now two weeks in to Sefer Bamidbar, I felt it was time to publish my thoughts from last year on the sefer and see what the readers thought.&nbsp;</i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i><br /></i></div><div style="text-align: left;"><i>&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;</i>In order to help us properly understand and appreciate what we are reading in the Torah, &nbsp;it is important to place a central theme to each sefer that can help us identify the underlying reasons behind the events of the parsha each week. (As each sefer tells its own story, I have decided to place a theme around the entire sefer as opposed to a few parshiyos.)&nbsp;</div><div style="text-align: left;">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;I believe Sefer Bamidbar shows Hashem's incredible love for Bnei Yisrael, starting from His bringing us through the uninhabitable desert to the beautiful and holy land of Eretz Yisrael. This show of love for us, specifically throughout our journey in the desert, comes as a result of Bnei Yisrael's faith they showed in Hashem by actually journeying into that desolate wasteland. As the pasuk says, "<span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; font-family: David; font-size: 21px; letter-spacing: 0.01600000075995922px; line-height: 33.599998474121094px; text-align: -webkit-center;">&nbsp;</span><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #252525; letter-spacing: 0.01600000075995922px; line-height: 33.599998474121094px; text-align: -webkit-center;">כה אמר יהוה מצא חן במדבר עם שרידי חרב הלוך להרגיעו ישראל"</span>&nbsp; <i>"So said Hashem, this people that survived the sword found favor in the wilderness, as I led Yisrael to its place of tranquility" </i>(Yirmiyahu 31:1)<i>. </i>Here is, parsha by parsha, how we see a <b>special</b> show of love from Hashem through the events of the parsha.</span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: Times, Times New Roman, serif;">&nbsp;</span><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi;">Parshas Bamidbar-</span></b><span style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 115%;"> Hashem tells Moshe to take a census of the Jewish People. The question is asked why Hashem has to count the people, doesn’t He know the number? The answer is that when you own something precious, you count it over and over again. We clearly see Hashem’s love for us through this counting.</span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi;"><br /></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi;">Parshas Nasso-</span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi;"> Hashem has Moshe count Shevet Levi, the tribe which was given over to Him through their service in the Mishkan and later, the Beis Hamikdash…The Blessings of the Kohanim are given over. They promise success, protection, and favor; all in Hashem’s Name…The Mishkan is dedicated as a resting place for the shechina. What greater love can Hashem show us?<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi;"><br /></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi;">Parshas Beha’aloscha-</span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi;"> Shevet Levi is officially consecrated for work in the Mishkan. The Kedushas Levi (based on Rashi 8:19) explains that the Leviim were chosen to fill the role to help atone for the sins of the Nation. This shows Hashem’s love for everyone…The mitzvah of Pesach Sheni is told over. There is no reason why Hashem has to give this extra opportunity to fulfill the mitzvah of Korban Pesach. The only explanation is that Hashem gives us extra opportunities to do mitzvos!<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi;"><br /></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi;">Parshas Shelach- </span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi;">After the whole episode with the Meraglim, Hashem punishes that generation that they will not be allowed to enter Eretz Yisrael. <b>Immediately</b> afterwards, He gives the mitzvah of libations for korbanos, something which will <b>only</b> be done in Eretz Yisrael. This showed the Nation in the midst of hopeless depression that they would eventually enter the Land.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi;"><br /></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi;">Parshas Korach-</span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi;"> After Korach’s rebellion, we are shown that the Ketores (incense) offering will serve as a kaparah (atonement) for Bnei Yisrael and help quell Hashem’s anger when the Nation sins. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi;"><br /></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi;">Parshas Chukas-</span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi;"> The actual event didn’t take place in this parshah but Bnei Yisrael realize the miracle of the well and how Hashem gave them the ability to survive in the desert through it… Bnei Yisrael battle Amalek, Sichon, and Og, and are victorious over all three. Remember that Sichon and Og were two of the most powerful kingdoms in the world at the time.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi;"><br /></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi;">Parshas Balak-</span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi;"> Balaam knew the exact time that Hashem would be angry and he would be able to curse Bnei Yisrael. Hashem did not get angry at that time in order for the curse not to happen. The result were some of the greatest brachos and commendations of the Jewish People we find anywhere in Tanach.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi;"><br /></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi;">Parshas Pinchas- </span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi;">Another census is taken. (See our theme above for Parshas Bamidbar.)…The korbanos for the different Chagim are given.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi;"><br /></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi;">Parshas Mattos-</span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi;"> I have not found a connection to this theme from Parshas Mattos. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi;"><br /></span></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi;">Parshas Masei- </span></b><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi;">The preparations for entering Eretz Yisrael begins with the definitions of the boundaries and the division of cities for the Leviim. Eretz Yisrael (and the promise He fulfills to the Avos by giving it to us) is a sign of Hashem’s love to Bnei Yisrael. He gave to <b>us</b>the most holy place on Earth! …The mitzvah of Ir Miklat, Cities of Refuge, is given.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><a href="http://nationswisdom.blogspot.co.il/2012/04/welcome-to-nations-wisdom.html" style="line-height: 18.399999618530273px;"><b style="line-height: 18.399999618530273px;">What is</b><span style="line-height: 18.399999618530273px;">&nbsp;</span><i style="line-height: 18.399999618530273px;">Nation's Wisdom</i><b style="line-height: 18.399999618530273px;">?</b></a></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">Please leave your questions and comments in the section below or email us at AIMeMTorah@gmail.com</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><br /></span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 18.399999618530273px;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 18.399999618530273px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/AIMeMTorah/timeline">Visit our Facebook page</a>!</span></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="line-height: 18.399999618530273px;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div>Yosef Segalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02214385935778151798noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3660309518072827669.post-56271659476324120412013-09-27T01:25:00.000-07:002013-09-27T01:25:00.283-07:00Why Is Olam Haba Not Mentioned In The Torah? <div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi;">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; When we realize that Olam Haba, The World to Come, is the ultimate reward for all we do in this world, it is strange to think that it is not mentioned even <b>once</b> in the entire Written Torah! The Kli Yakar in Parshas Bechukosai (Vayikra 26:12) brings seven explanations from various sources for this. (In order to fully understand the context of some of these answers, please review the surrounding pesukim in Parshas Bechukosai.) They are as follows:<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi;">1. <b>Rambam</b>- All the good things mentioned in Parshas Bechukosai are listed to tell you that if you serve Hashem, He will remove all obstacles in your path (i.e. famine, sickness, war, etc.). However, the ultimate reward of Olam Haba is not mentioned in order that you continue to serve Hashem <i>lishma</i>, with true intentions,<i> </i>without any thoughts of reward or punishment. (Hilchos Teshuva 9:1)<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi;">Next, the Kli Yakar brings an <b>Ibn Ezra</b> in Ha’azinu (Devarim 32:39) which explains that the Torah was given to each and every Jew. However, the ideas of Olam Haba can only be understood by one in every few thousand people since they are very deep.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi;">There are two different opinions as to what he is saying here, which are also the next two answers. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi;">2. <b>Kli Yakar</b>- It is difficult for Human Beings who are physical, to comprehend the reward of Olam Haba which is completely spiritual. Therefore, since most people could not understand these concepts, the Torah hid it from all except for a select few.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi;">[<i>Diyuk </i>from this answer: From this explanation, we see an amazing idea. The concept of Olam Haba was only given to a few people who were on a high enough spiritual level that they could relate to the spiritual ideas while still in this physical world. It was up to these people to study these ideas and relate over to us that which they could explain on our level. But not everyone has a fair share in the understanding of Olam Haba (at least in this world). However, the Ibn Ezra says that the entire nation received the Torah. Not just a select few, everyone! This means that the entire Torah, without any exceptions, can be explored and understood by every single Jew. There are no parts of the Torah where we can claim that they cannot be understood or applied to our lives. Everything contained in it is relevant.]<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi;">3. <b>Rabbeinu Bachya</b>, <b>Ramban</b>- All the ideas mentioned in this week’s parshah seem to be simple acts of nature, however, when a person looks into these ideas with an open mind, it’s easy to see that they are nothing of the sort. For example, it is not natural for rain to fall every week at the same exact time (see Vayikra 26:4 Rashi). The other ideas also come out this way when you look into them. However, when a person reaches a certain level where their <i>Neshama</i>, soul,<i> </i>has a certain effect on their physical surroundings, it makes complete sense. (Writer’s interpretation: So the Torah doesn’t have to talk about Olam Haba since if your <i>Neshama</i> reaches that level it’s supposed to reach, it will be obvious to you that there must be a world beyond this physical one.)<i> &nbsp;<o:p></o:p></i></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi;">4. <b>Rabbeinu Nissim</b>- In those days, most people did not believe in <i>Hashgacha Pratis</i>, Divine Providence. Either they believed in predetermined destiny or that Hashem completely left this world after creation. So in this Parshah, Hashem wants to show that people who do good will be rewarded (or if they do evil, will be punished,) in <b>this</b>world where everyone can see the results. If He left complete reward and punishment for Olam Haba, it would be impossible for anyone to guarantee that there actually <b>is</b> reward and punishment. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi;">There is a discussion in the <i>Sefer HaKuzari</i> between the Narrator and the King where the King asks that if death leads to your reward in Olam Haba, why does nobody want to die? The Kli Yakar uses this and the opinion of Rabbeinu Nissim as an answer that the Torah only speaks in terms of what a person actually wants.<o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi;">5. <b>Rabbeinu Saadya Gaon</b>- Before <i>Kabbalas Hatorah</i>, the Giving of the Torah, everyone served idols. After Hashem gave the Torah, he had to guarantee Bnei Yisrael that they would receive the same things from him that they expected from the idols. Since the idols only promised physical gifts, Hashem did the same. However, Olam Haba, which is only a Jewish idea, Hashem did not have to tell them about straight out. <o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi;">6. <b>Sefer HaKuzari</b>, <b>Rabbeinu Nissim</b>- One of the greatest gifts that Hashem gave us was the ability to have a Mishkan and a Beis Hamikdash where Hashem would rest his Shechinah in this world, giving us a connection to Hashem in the physical world. This idea is mentioned several times throughout the Torah. Says Rabbeinu Nissim, if the Shechinah can connect to Bnei Yisrael in the physical world, all the more so after our spiritual selves separate from our bodies by death, they will be able to connect to Hashem. (However, this is only when the Mishkan or Beis Hamikdash is standing which can only happen when we keep the Torah and Mitzvos.) So, similar to answers 3 and 4, really there is no need to mention Olam Haba in this context since for anyone who thinks hard about it, it is obvious.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; <o:p></o:p></span></div><br /><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi;">7. <b>Ramban</b> (Devarim 11:13) - When deciding on whether to reward or punish the world at large, Hashem looks at the actions of the world as a whole. In those cases, even wicked people receive the good with the righteous and the righteous will receive the evil with the wicked. This is what this parshah discusses. However, the reward of Olam Haba is based on an individual’s performance. Therefore, it has no place in this week’s parshah, but rather, it is referenced by other mitzvos such as Honoring Your Parents.<a href="" name="_GoBack"></a><o:p></o:p></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi;"><br /></span></div><div class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: &quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-bidi;"><i>Nation's Wisdom is a project which encourages the masses to share their thoughts and wisdom on a variety of Torah ideas such as Parshah, Halachah, and Hashkafah among others. For more information or to have your idea published, please click <a href="http://nationswisdom.blogspot.co.il/2012/04/welcome-to-nations-wisdom.html">here</a> or email us at AIMeMTorah@gmail.com. &nbsp;</i></span></div>Yosef Segalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02214385935778151798noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3660309518072827669.post-81947174884538212862012-10-04T02:04:00.000-07:002013-08-01T13:21:06.078-07:00Themes of Sefer Devarim<br /><div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;The reason I believe that it is important to work out the themes specifically for this sefer is because while the rest of the Torah was dictated by God, Sefer Devarim was said by Moshe himself. This was his final address, his last chance to give over to Bnei Yisrael before he died, he could have spoken about anything at this point in time. For this reason, and since he was human and would automatically give more importance to certain points (which God is able to avoid), it makes sense that he would pay special attention to certain ideas over others. The point of this list is to try and discover what the main points are in each parshah and what Moshe’s was trying to give over to Bnei Yisrael at the end of his life. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><br /></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Parshas Devarim</b>- Moshe shows how the Meraglim (spies) were responsible for all the problems (and punishments) which took place in the desert. In general, sin is responsible for all problems in history and this sin accounted for some of the biggest ones including being one of the reasons for the destruction of the Beis Hamikdash (Holy Temple).<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><br /></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Parshas Va’eschanan</b>- Teaches us love of Hashem and the importance of doing mitzvos.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><br /></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Parshas Eikev</b>- Start to do mitzvos and they will eventually be done out of love of Hashem (which is the main point of doing mitzvos). The parshah revolves around Eretz Yisrael which that is the ultimate reward for doing mitzvos. It also talks about that even after we sin, we must continue to do mitzvos (see Rashi Devarim 11:18) in order that we can continue to receive reward which will result in us returning to Eretz Yisrael. The whole idea is a circle. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><br /></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Parshas Re’eh</b>- Teaches us, through the mitzvos mentioned in the parshah, to stay separate from the goyim. Some of the mitzvos are obvious, i.e. eat kosher, don’t serve Avoda Zara. But some are more subtle, no bamot (personal alters), do not add on to the mitzvos, etc.<br /><o:p></o:p>Also, this parshah changed the mitzvos from ideas to reality for Bnei Yisrael. We see this from the pasuk by Ma’aser (14:22-24) which says that eating it in Yerushalayim will teach you Fear of God. You will be eating Maaser in Jerusalem, possibly at the same time as the Festivals where you can observe all the great people there and learn Fear of God. We see how ideas are given to Bnei Yisrael based on the idea that <b>they will actually be in</b>Israel.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><br /></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Parshas Shoftim</b>- talks about all different types of leaders and what challenges they will face. Murder, false witnesses, rampant Avoda Zara, etc. It also talks about respect the nation should show to them, judges are called “tzedek”, they are righteous people and should be pursued (Devarim 16:20). It says in Sefer Shmuel that the king can do what he wants. The parshah also mentions the gifts that are given the Kohanim from every korban, and that every navi will equal to moshe (even though we know it is impossible for anyone to reach Moshe’s level). But at the end of the day, in my opinion, the parshah shows how hard it will be to be a leader of Bnei Yisrael. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><br /></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Parshas Ki Teitzei</b>- Moshe gives over the halachos of everyday occurrences (though not necessarily common ones,) that will take place over history. Rashi gives explanations why each set of halachos is written following each other in the pesukim. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><br /></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Parshas Ki Tavoh</b>- Starts off with mitzvah of Bikkurim, then flows into Bnei Yisrael accepting the yoke of Torah upon themselves (a second time) through the curses. &nbsp;A huge emphasis is placed on Eretz Yisrael throughout the parshah, as it constantly mentions in the pesukim “the land which God gave to your forefathers” or “to you”.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><br /></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Parshas Nitzavim</b>- God will continually love you and support you (even with the aveiros [sins] that you do). Moshe teaches the nation the concept of Teshuvah (as a theoretical idea which they will use in the future). <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><br /></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Parshas Vayeilech</b>- Moshe’s speech is over. He goes around Bnei Yisrael and changes Teshuvah from a theoretical concept to a practical one by teaching them why, when, and how they should do it). This parshah really shows us how much we will miss Moshe once he is gone. <o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><br /></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Parshas Haazinu</b>- Moshe sings the warning to Bnei Yisrael found at the end of last week’s parshah (31:28-30). Haazinu is the parshiyos from Ki Tavoh through Vayeilech in song form. That’s why it mentions the greatness of Hashem, the history of Bnei Yisrael, the greatness of Eretz Yisrael, the sin of Avoda Zara, and returning to Hashem (Teshuvah). The reason it’s written like this is because there are some things which are expressed better through song. So even though the same concepts are being discussed, they are said differently since the song brings out a deeper element of them.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b><br /></b></div><div class="MsoNormal"><b>Parshas Vezos Habracha</b>- Moshe blesses the nation, first each shevet individually, then the nation as a whole. The individual brachos given to each shevet were similar to the brachos given by Yaakov to each one of his sons before he died in Parshas Vayechi. The brachah given to the nation starts in Perek 33 Pasuk 25 and is a blessing for Hashem’s continued protection and that Eretz Yisrael should produce for Bnei Yisrael forever. The last twelve pesukim deal with Moshe’s death, burial, and mourning period.<o:p></o:p></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Have a great Shabbos and Chag Sameach!</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">To learn more about the&nbsp;<b>Nation's Wisdom </b>project, <a href="http://nationswisdom.blogspot.co.il/2012/04/welcome-to-nations-wisdom.html">click here</a>.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">Check out the <a href="http://oldideasforthemodernmind.blogspot.co.il/">AIMeM</a> blog and <a href="http://www.facebook.com/AIMeMTorah?fref=ts">Facebook</a> page.</div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal"><br /></div><div class="MsoNormal">AIMeM</div>Yosef Segalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02214385935778151798noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3660309518072827669.post-59640366161984092172012-04-16T03:10:00.002-07:002012-04-16T03:16:27.667-07:00Welcome to Nation's Wisdom!<p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; mso-ascii-theme-font:major-bidi;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-bidi;mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi"> Have you ever had a Dvar Torah you would like to see published but didn’t know how? How about that Hashkafa thought that popped into your brain last week but you didn’t know what to do with it? Then this blog is for you. Welcome to <i>Nation’s Wisdom</i>, a new project from <i>AIMeMTorah</i>. After the success of our first project, <i><a href="http://oldideasforthemodernmind.blogspot.com/">Ancient Ideas for the Modern Mind (AIMeM)</a></i>, we are very excited to announce the launch of our newest venture. While <i>AIMeM </i>was created specifically for Divrei Torah on the weekly parshah, we have different plans for <i>Nation’s Wisdom</i>. On this blog we want to let you, the Jewish People, share the wisdom of the Torah. <o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; mso-ascii-theme-font:major-bidi;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-bidi;mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi"> Here’s how it works. First, write up an essay on whatever Torah topic you would like, it can be on the parshah, Halacha, Hashkafa, etc. Then send it in by Wednesday night of that week to have it reviewed and published before Shabbos. Your Dvar Torah will be posted on the blog, and the link will be placed on the <i>AIMeM</i> blog and will also be placed in the <i>AIMeM </i>weekly email and sent out to the entire <i>AIMeM</i> list! Just email your Dvar Torah to <a href="mailto:AIMeMTorah@gmail.com">AIMeMTorah@gmail.com</a> with the subject line <i>Nation’s Wisdom</i> and we will take care of the rest.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; mso-ascii-theme-font:major-bidi;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-bidi;mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi"> We hope you all take advantage of this great opportunity to help spread the light of Torah throughout Klal Yisrael. Stay tuned for more information on our new Facebook page and email lists.<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; mso-ascii-theme-font:major-bidi;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-bidi;mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi">All the Best,<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; mso-ascii-theme-font:major-bidi;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-bidi;mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi">AIMeMTorah<o:p></o:p></span></p> <p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; mso-ascii-theme-font:major-bidi;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-bidi;mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi"><br /></span></p><p class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family:&quot;Times New Roman&quot;,&quot;serif&quot;; mso-ascii-theme-font:major-bidi;mso-hansi-theme-font:major-bidi;mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi">For more information on <i>Ancient Ideas for the Modern Mind</i> and <i>AIMeMTorah</i>, please email us at AIMeMTorah@gmail.com or visit the AIMeM blog at oldideasforthemodernmind.blogspot.com or our Facebook page by clicking <a href="http://www.facebook.com/AIMeMTorah">here</a><o:p></o:p></span></p>Yosef Segalhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/02214385935778151798noreply@blogger.com0